Thursday night’s presidential debate turned into a fact-checking bonanza thanks to CNN’s post-debate analysis. Joe Biden took the stage aiming to defend his record and set the narrative for his re-election campaign. However, a slew of factual inaccuracies quickly became the focal point, leaving viewers questioning the veracity of his claims.
Let’s break down the key moments that CNN didn’t hesitate to call out.
Claim: No Troop Deaths During Biden’s Presidency
Biden proudly stated he’s the only president in recent history without any troop deaths on his watch. Cue the fact-checkers: CNN highlighted that this claim is false. Tragically, U.S. troops have indeed died during his presidency, most notably in the Kabul airport attack in August 2021, which claimed the lives of 13 American service members.
Claim: Insulin Capped at $15 per Shot
Biden touted a supposed victory for diabetes patients, asserting that insulin costs were capped at $15 per shot under Medicare. Not so fast—CNN noted the actual cap is $35 per month, not per shot. This is still beneficial but significantly different from what Biden claimed.
Claim: $200 Cap on Overall Drug Spending
In another healthcare-related inaccuracy, Biden mentioned a $200 cap on overall drug spending in Medicare. Yet, CNN pointed out the real figure is considerably higher at $2,000. This discrepancy is non-trivial, impacting how seniors perceive their potential out-of-pocket costs.
Claim: Reduced Border Crossings
The border crisis has been a hot topic, and Biden asserted fewer crossings now than during Trump’s tenure. CNN’s data tells a different story—border crossings have surged to record levels under Biden’s watch, contradicting his assertion.
Claim: Unemployment at 15% in 2021
Biden claimed he inherited an unemployment rate of 15% when he took office in 2021. Reality check: the actual unemployment rate was 6.4%. While the job market was indeed recovering from the pandemic, it wasn’t nearly as dire as Biden portrayed.
Claim: Trump Wants to Eliminate Social Security
In a bold accusation, Biden suggested Trump aims to dismantle Social Security. CNN debunked this, clarifying that while there have been discussions about reform and privatization, there’s no evidence to support the claim that Trump seeks to abolish the program entirely.
Claim: Billionaires’ Tax Rates
Biden claimed billionaires pay only 8.2% in taxes, but CNN clarified that the actual rate is much higher. Tax burdens on the wealthiest Americans are complex, involving various forms of income and deductions, but they certainly don’t get away with paying just 8.2%.
Claim: Border Patrol Endorsement
The pièce de résistance of Biden’s gaffes came with his assertion that the Border Patrol endorsed him. The National Border Patrol Council swiftly took to Twitter, stating unequivocally, “We never have and never will endorse Joe Biden.” Ouch.
Prepare to watch the most brutal CNN fact check of crooked Joe you’ll ever see.
Has the call already gone out to take out Joe Biden? pic.twitter.com/YRqE9nNmDi
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) June 28, 2024
So, what’s the takeaway from this fact-check frenzy? Biden’s misstatements during the debate have cast a shadow over his credibility at a critical juncture. For the electorate, these inaccuracies can shake trust and complicate the already turbulent political landscape.
As we edge closer to the 2024 election, these fact-checks serve as a stark reminder: in the world of politics, every word is scrutinized, and the truth always finds its way to the surface.
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